#United States #Baltimore #oral health #Planet Smilez #Dr. Kathryn Pawlak

Planet Smilez Leads Workforce Development Symposium for Maryland Youth

In response to the pressing national shortage of oral health professionals, Planet Smilez is taking proactive steps to pave the way for future providers within the field. The organization recognizes that the key to addressing this critical workforce gap lies in early exposure to dentistry, practical learning experiences, and mentorship for students hailing from educationally and economically underserved backgrounds. By engaging students from designated dental health professional shortage areas (HPSAs) from an early age, Planet Smilez aims to cultivate interest in dental careers, thereby improving access to oral health care in communities that need it most.

At the helm of this initiative, Dr. Kathryn Pawlak and the senior leadership team at Planet Smilez will be returning to their alma mater, the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. They will be hosting the Discovering Dentistry Symposium (DDS) on November 15, 2025, from 9 AM to 1 PM in Baltimore, MD. The symposium will feature an array of activities designed to ignite interest in the dental profession and the vital link between oral health and overall health.

The event will showcase diverse career paths in dentistry, while also providing a glimpse into the daily lives of oral health professionals. It's geared towards middle and high school students, offering engaging hands-on activities and mentorship opportunities aimed at fostering in-depth understanding of the dental field. Attendees will have the chance to interact with seasoned dental professionals and students currently pursuing careers in oral health.

In support of this important endeavor, Planet Smilez is proud to announce substantial funding from Delta Dental, who has been a crucial partner in advancing the future workforce of oral health. Since 2023, Delta Dental has invested over $1.7 million in various initiatives aimed at creating innovative solutions and scalable models that inspire school-aged children from all backgrounds to consider careers in oral health. This collaboration led to Planet Smilez receiving the 2024 award recognizing its commitment to conducting ten immersive workshops across the country.

Dr. Pawlak emphasized the impact of education and mentorship, stating, “I believe education and mentorship has the power to transform lives. My goal for the DDS program is to empower children with oral healthcare knowledge and hands-on dentistry experiences. This will optimally help children envision a future in dentistry while also fostering a generation of oral healthcare professionals who can address the needs of their communities.”

The Discovering Dentistry Symposium is designed not just to educate, but to inspire. With activities that range from interactive sessions on the oral-systemic health connection to discussions about the importance of dental hygiene, students will leave with valuable insights that could shape their career trajectories.

The event plays a critical role in creating a pipeline of dental professionals who will not only contribute to their fields but also return to their communities to provide essential services. By strategically targeting educationally and economically underserved areas, Planet Smilez is setting the stage for a new generation of leaders in oral health.

For more information about Planet Smilez and how they are shaping the future of oral health, visit www.planetsmilez.org. Additionally, attendees and interested participants can reach out to Kathryn Pawlak at [email protected] for inquiries and further details on the symposium.